Forestalling, in a biblical context, refers to the act of preventing or hindering something from occurring by taking anticipatory action. This concept can be seen in various narratives and teachings throughout the Bible, where individuals or groups take steps to avert potential negative outcomes or to prepare for future events.

Biblical Examples and References

1. Joseph's Preparation for Famine: One of the most prominent examples of forestalling in the Bible is found in the account of Joseph in the Book of Genesis. After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, Joseph advised Pharaoh to store surplus grain during the years of plenty. This proactive measure ensured that Egypt would have enough food during the years of scarcity. Genesis 41:34-36 states, "Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. Let them gather all the excess food during these good years that are coming, and under Pharaoh’s authority, store the grain in the cities for food. This food will be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine."

2. The Parable of the Ten Virgins: In the New Testament, Jesus uses the Parable of the Ten Virgins to illustrate the importance of being prepared for the Kingdom of Heaven. Five of the virgins are described as wise because they took extra oil for their lamps, while the other five are called foolish for not doing so. When the bridegroom arrives, only the prepared virgins are able to join the wedding feast. Matthew 25:4 notes, "But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps."

3. Paul's Warnings to the Churches: The Apostle Paul often engaged in forestalling by warning early Christian communities about false teachings and moral pitfalls. In his letters, he frequently anticipates potential issues and provides guidance to prevent them. For instance, in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses divisions and immorality within the church, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and conduct. 1 Corinthians 10:12 advises, "So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall."

Theological Implications

Forestalling, as demonstrated in these biblical accounts, underscores the value of wisdom, foresight, and preparedness. It reflects a proactive approach to life's challenges, emphasizing the importance of taking responsible actions to safeguard against future difficulties. This principle aligns with the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where individuals are called to manage their resources, time, and talents wisely in anticipation of future needs and divine accountability.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary Christian context, forestalling can be applied in various aspects of life, including spiritual readiness, financial planning, and community leadership. Believers are encouraged to cultivate discernment and prudence, drawing from biblical teachings to navigate the complexities of modern life. By doing so, they can better fulfill their roles as stewards of God's creation and as members of the body of Christ.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Forestall.

The Peaceable one Hath a vineyard, which Hath People in It; He ...
... It seems, O my God, as though Thou hadst taken pleasure in forestalling
all the doubts and objections that could possibly arise. ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/11 the peaceable one hath.htm

The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ...
... labour, however, is to object to us the strictness [4870] of the law, with the view
of maintaining that here also Christ is its enemy"forestalling [4871] its ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxv the judicial severity of.htm

What we are to Think of the Example of Cato, who Slew Himself ...
... dissuaded him, and therefore judged his act to be that of a feeble rather than a
strong spirit, and dictated not by honorable feeling forestalling shame, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 23 what we are to.htm

Whether the Gravity of a Sin Depends on Its Cause?
... But if by concupiscence we understand a passion, which is a movement of the
concupiscible power, then a greater concupiscence, forestalling the judgment of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the gravity of a.htm

Whether we Should be Solicitous About the Future?
... Accordingly if a man were solicitous about the vintage during the summer, he would
be needlessly forestalling the solicitude belonging to a future time. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether we should be solicitous.htm

Whether Pride is a Mortal Sin?
... genus (for instance fornication and adultery) there are certain motions that are
venial by reason of their imperfection (through forestalling the judgment of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether pride is a mortal.htm

Introduction to Apologia De Fuga.
... Rashness must be avoided, with its tendency to a reaction (17, end), and its
presumption in forestalling the time appointed by Providence for our death. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/introduction to apologia de fuga.htm

Acts xi. 19
... Christ, forestalling this objection, said, "Ye shall have tribulation." (John
16:33.) (It is) just as if you should say, They ought not to have been scourged ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxv acts xi 19.htm

Rom. xv. 25-27
... Gospel. [1655] And this is a very striking mode of advice, I mean this
way of forestalling their attention by encomiums. For when ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx rom xv 25-27.htm

Lutherans in vibginia.
... Forestalling expulsion, the young man enlisted in a German regiment, in which he
was known as "Teufel Piet." After two years of military training he returned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/lutherans in vibginia.htm

Forestalling (1 Occurrence)
... n.) of Forestall. Multi-Version Concordance Forestalling (1 Occurrence). Colossians
4:5 in wisdom walk ye toward those without, the time forestalling; (YLT). ...
/f/forestalling.htm - 6k

Outsiders (5 Occurrences)
... unbalanced? (See RSV). Colossians 4:5 in wisdom walk ye toward those without,
the time forestalling; (See NAS RSV NIV). 1 Thessalonians ...
/o/outsiders.htm - 7k

Forestalled (1 Occurrence)

/f/forestalled.htm - 6k

Forest-like (1 Occurrence)
Forest-like. Forestalling, Forest-like. Forests . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WEB ASV). Forestalling, Forest-like. Forests . Reference Bible.
/f/forest-like.htm - 6k

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